About this Presentation
This presentation aims to clarify the position of TOC as a theory and promote discussion over its boundaries of application in the context of other related laws and theories. The presentation is structured around the learning outcomes and starts by discussing the criteria for a good theory and how TOC measures up. The laws (principles) of operations management (Hopp and Spearman, 2000; Schmenner and Swink, 1998) are used as a basis for comparing and contrasting the contribution of established theory and practice, drawing on the wider cross functional perspective offered by TOC. This includes the shift in thinking from cost optimization to a systems perspective through strategic trade-offs, variability reduction and variability management. The presentation concludes by exploring the theoretical boundaries with specific reference to the generic applications and the underlying conflict these systems approaches address. The central importance of complexity, flow, aggregated variability and buffer management are used as a basis for discussing the most fruitful application boundaries. Following this presentation the participant will be able to: Discuss how TOC fits the classification of a good theory; Conceptually position TOC in the context of other business theories and laws; and Discuss the boundaries of TOC as a theory.
What Will You Learn
To help you get the most value from this session, we’ve highlighted a few key points. These takeaways capture the main ideas and practical insights from the presentation, making it easier for you to review, reflect, and apply what you’ve learned.
Instructor(s)
Roy Stratton
Professor Roy Stratton is an Associate Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management at Nottingham Trent University and has researched and implemented TOC related developments for over 30 years. He obtained his PhD at Nottingham Trent University and is currently on the Board of Theory of Constraints – International Certification Organization (TOC-ICO). His research is largely case and action research based focusing on flow management in complex environments covering supply chain, project and healthcare. His research appears in the IJOPM, IJPE, Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management,
Ms Alka Wadhwa
Alka Wadhwa is an experienced consultant and process improvement expert with over 24 years of expertise in the Theory of Constraints (TOC), Lean Six Sigma, and organizational performance optimization. She has successfully led projects in healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing, driving significant improvements such as a 67% boost in hospital operations and a 140% increase in outpatient visits.
Previously, Alka Wadhwa spent 17+ years at GE Global Research Center, where she led initiatives to enhance various GE businesses through advanced technologies, process redesign, and system optimization. Founder of Better Solutions Consulting, LLC, she specializes in using TOC, Six Sigma, and data analytics to streamline operations and build high-performance teams.
Her work has earned her multiple accolades, including the Empire State Award of Excellence in healthcare.
Dr Gary Wadhwa
Dr. Gary Wadhwa is a Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon with extensive experience in the field. He completed his Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery training at Montefiore Hospital, Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY, and has served as an Attending at prestigious institutions like St. Peters Hospitals, Ellis Hospital, and Beth Israel Hospital in NY. With a career spanning over two decades, he was the former CEO and President of a group specialty practice in NY from 1994 to 2015. Dr. Wadhwa holds an MBA from UT at Knoxville, TN, and has undergone additional training in System Dynamics at MIT, Health System Management at Harvard Business School, and Entrepreneurship and healthcare innovations at Columbia Business School. Committed to expanding access to Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery care, he is currently engaged in a meaningful project to provide healthcare services to underserved populations in inner city and rural areas through non-profit Community Health Centers.